Less than 80 minutes were played in Sunday's Inverell Hawks and Narwan Eels fixture in Armidale with officials calling the match off early.
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Referees Dean Carson and Jay Humphries made the decision eight minutes before the full-time siren and the match resulted in a 28-all draw.
Throughout the stop-start affair at Rugby League Park, players became frustrated with calls made by officials.
"I think it was a bit of ill-discipline from both sides and, at the end of the day, I guess the game got a bit out of control," Hawks coach Brock Mathers said.
Referees need to be respected and they want to be respected and all our players totally understand that but it has got to work both ways - respect works both ways.
- Brock Mathers
"Referees need to be respected and they want to be respected and all our players totally understand that but it has got to work both ways - respect works both ways.
"The referees want the respect and they deserve the respect.
"Players need to follow those rules, but it has to work both ways."
Despite the nature of the clash, Mathers was happy with what his side could produce.
"They played well and again our guys, we had our opportunities to put our stamp on the match," he said.
"To Narwan's credit they played really well.
"They just kept coming and coming.
"When we played football and did what we know we can do, we did it really good.
"A lot of times when we did it well, we turned it into points."
In a blow for the Hawks, halfback Steve McIntosh is set to miss six weeks after undergoing surgery on a dislocated finger.
Mathers is confident they have "good talent" and plenty of depth in the side and they can fill the void.
The Hawks are due to play a local derby against Ashford this Sunday at Varley Oval.
With the recent wet weather, Varley Oval has been shut but, at this stage, it is open.
If there is more rain throughout the week in the lead up to the match, the Hawks intend to take the "must win" fixture to Tingha.